Airway obstructions are common and may even be underreported. The prevalence and type of airway obstruction varies with age. Children younger than four, for example, are more vulnerable to choking-related upper airway obstructions, and adults commonly experience airway obstruction caused by complications from smoking. First responders will inevitably encounter a wide variety of airway obstructions and must be prepared to promptly respond to each with appropriate medical care. Here are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction.
Tongue-Related Airway Obstruction
A relaxed tongue is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in patients who are unconscious or who have suffered spinal cord or other neurological injuries. The tongue may relax into the airway, causing an obstruction. In some cases, other injuries complicate this phenomenon. For example, a patient who is unconscious following a blow to the head may also have suffered upper airway trauma, causing both the tongue and the trauma to block the airway.
Foreign Body/Choking
The most common cause of airway obstruction in children is a foreign body lodged in the airway. Choking can fully or completely obstruct the airway. Small toys, round foods such as berries and grapes, rocks, pebbles, and other enticing objects are common culprits. Eighty-eight percent of airway obstruction deaths occur in children younger than four.
Swelling
Swelling can obstruct the airway in a matter of seconds. Though infections can cause severe upper airway swelling, the most common cause is anaphylaxis. Anyone with an allergy can have an anaphylactic reaction, even if they have been previously exposed to the allergen without such an extreme reaction. More than 32 million Americans have food allergies, putting millions at risk of swelling-related airway obstructions. Moreover, the prevalence of food allergies is increasing. There’s been a 21% increase in peanut allergies in children since 2010.
Asthma may also cause upper airway swelling. In most cases, asthma is well-managed with a rescue inhaler, but severe asthmatic reactions can be fatal. About 26 million Americans have asthma. Worldwide, about 180,000 people each year die from asthma, but prompt medical care and diligent airway management has greatly reduced mortality in the U.S.
Infection
Infections such as pneumonia, RSV, and even colds may obstruct the upper airway. Children are more vulnerable because of their smaller airways. In newborns, upper airway obstructions, even partial ones, are particularly dangerous because newborns breathe through the nose. People with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD also face a higher risk of infectious upper airway obstructions.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries can directly obstruct the airway, such as when a gunshot or knife wound collapses portions of the airway. Trauma can also cause continuous bleeding or vomiting that obstructs the airway, making airway management difficult and increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. In the latter scenario, continuous suction via the SALAD technique can clear the airway and lower mortality risk.
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries may also lead to upper airway obstruction. If a patient cannot clear their own airway, they may require suctioning. In some cases, brain and spinal cord injuries inhibit the brain’s ability to control breathing, coughing, and other important respiratory functions.
Proper management of upper airway obstruction is key to stabilizing the patient for transport and potentially saving their life. Portable suction ensures you can immediately attend to the patient. In the case of unstable patients for whom movement may be risky, such as spinal cord injury survivors, this can improve outcomes. For help selecting the right portable emergency suction device for your agency, download our free guide, The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in July 2019. It has been re-published with additional up-to-date content.
